Criminology and Criminal Justice Curriculum

CRIM 101: Criminal Justice Systems (3 hours)

An introduction to the field of criminal justice, this course examines the main components of the criminal justice system. It provides the students with a broad overview of the history and functions of the police, courts, and correctional system in the United States.

CRIM 102: Survey of Criminology (3 hours)

An overview of the discipline of criminology, this course examines major theoretical perspectives, basic assumptions, and definitions. Crime typologies and measurement of crime are an integral part of this course.

CRIM 220: Introduction to Law Enforcement (3 hours)

As an introduction to law enforcement in society, this course will examine the historical and contemporary role of law enforcement, the politics of law enforcement practice, law enforcement administration and discretion.  Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 110

CRIM 230: Survey of Criminal Courts (3 hours)

This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of the United States criminal court system.  It will explore the structure and function of the courts as well as the process and politics of the state and federal judicial systems.  Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 110

CRIM 240: Criminal Law (3 hours)

This course discusses the goals and rationale of criminal law. Students will learn the basic elements of crimes and criminal defenses. An exploration of the fundamental issue of the relationship of the individual to the state is also reviewed.  Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 110

CRIM 290: Institutional Corrections (3 hours)

The history, organization, and functions of correctional settings are examined. Students will explore the purpose and procedures of institutions at the local, state, and federal levels. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 110

CRIM 291: Community Corrections (3 hours)

This course is an in depth analysis of alternatives to incarceration such as intermediate sanctions and probation. Other programs reviewed include parole, community correctional centers, half-way houses, and restorative justice programs. The prevalence of private interests in community-based corrections is also examined.  Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 110

CRIM 343: Juvenile Justice Systems (3 hours)

This course traces the historical, philosophical and legal development of the juvenile justice system in the United States and examines the various stages of the juvenile justice process and critical issues currently facing the system.  Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 110

CRIM 350: Organization and Management in Criminal Justice (3 hours)

This course covers contemporary concepts, principles and theories of organization and administration in criminal justice agencies including issues of budgeting, forecasting, human resource management, and project implementation.  Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 110

CRIM 371: Criminal Procedure (3 hours)

Constitutional development of the law of criminal procedure including search and seizure, arrest, interrogation, trial, and post-conviction proceedings are reviewed in this course. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 110. This course is cross listed in Fall 2003 with a Political Science offering.

CRIM 375: Criminal Investigation (3 hours)

The procedures of crime investigations, the preservation of evidence, and courtroom preparation is studied in this course.  Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 110

CRIM 376: Advanced Topics in Policing (3 hours)

This course will focus on specific issues related to the practice of law enforcement including but not limited to: problem oriented policing, police use of force, racial profiling, and police corruption.  Prerequisite: CRIM 220

CRIM 398: Criminological Research Methods (3 hours)

Basic criminological research methods are examined to assist the student in understanding both the qualitative and quantitative paradigms. The development and organization of a research proposal is an integral part of this course. A review of ethical considerations in research design is also discussed.

Prerequisite: CRIM 101, CRIM 102, or CRIM 110, CRIM 120

CRIM 440: Drugs, Crime, and Criminal Justice (3 hours)

This course looks at the socially constructed nature of drugs and drug policy, focusing on the variety of ways drugs and crime are connected and the socio-historical context of contemporary U.S. drug policy.  Prerequisites: CRIM 101, CRIM 102 or CRIM 110, CRIM 120

CRIM 443: Juvenile Delinquency (3 hours)

This course will provide an examination of the youthful offender, the causes of the delinquent behavior pattern and delinquency prevention and treatment. Prerequisite: CRIM 102 or CRIM 102

CRIM 470: Criminological Theory (3 hours)

Major criminological theories are examined and critiqued. Emphasis is placed on connecting theory to practice by focusing on the empirical validity as well as the practical and policy implications of the major theoretical perspectives. New and emerging criminological theories will also be examined. Prerequisite: CRIM 102 or CRIM 120

CRIM 476: Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Criminology (3 hours) 

Current issues in criminology will be explored. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, environmental crime, terrorism, organized crime, economic and corporate crime, victimology, ethical and legal issues, and alternative approaches for dealing with criminological issues.  May be taken more than once for a maximum of 6 hours. Permission of instructor required if taken twice.  Prerequisite: CRIM 101, CRIM 102 or

CRIM 110, CRIM 120

CRIM 477: Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice (3 hours)

Current issues in criminal justice will be explored. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, treatment interventions in correctional facilities, special populations in criminal justice, comparative criminal justice, policy and planning in criminal justice, and technological advances in criminal justice. May be taken more than once for a maximum of 6 hours.  Permission of instructor required if taken twice.  Prerequisite: CRIM 101, CRIM 102

or CRIM 110, CRIM 120

CRIM 495: Internship (3 hours)

The criminology and criminal justice internship provides students with an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts learned in the classroom to real world practice through supervised experience in criminal justice or a related field.  The internship shall consist of a minimum of 120 hours of field experience.  Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

CRIM 498: Capstone in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3 hours)

A capstone supervised experience independently or in small groups for advanced criminology and criminal justice students.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

This page was last updated on 08/13/2003